“Utah is NOT ready for the big one.”

That’s what I heard when I went to a preparedness expo a few weeks ago. I had the chance to talk with the guys from Utah Disaster Relief and that’s exactly what they told me. They told me about all of the little clean-up jobs the company takes care of on a daily basis. Most of these are simple power outages,  water line breaks and flooded basements.

As they are helping these families get their issues cleaned up, they notice quickly that very few of them have even a 3 day supply of food, water and emergency supplies. They also told me that if Utah has an earthquake in the 7.0 range, it is estimated that we will lose power and water for a minimum of 3 weeks. If we get anything larger than that, it would most certainly be more like a couple of months.

This message is not just for Utahan’s but for everyone. If you don’t have a minimum of a 3 day supply of food and emergency supplies, get it NOW. Take a few bucks each month and store a little more until you have enough to take care of your family for a full month.

 

There Is No Predicting An Earthquake

Even though “Earthquake Forecaster” is a position on LinkedIn’s 12 Jobs You’ll Be Recruiting For in 2030 article, it is going to be many years before we’re able to predict earthquakes with any degree of accuracy. 

Since there are so many elements that go into earthquake survival, it is important to familiarize yourself with what you are up against. Knowing and preparing for the potential threats in your area could mitigate the amount of damage caused, due to your preparation beforehand.

I have researched and compiled the most recent information on everything earthquake preparedness, into an easy-to-read ebook. Grab it now to save yourself the time and energy of hopping from site to site, trying to determine which information is still good and which information is outdated.

How Do I Analyze My Earthquake Risk Level?

Although we cannot accurately predict when or where an earthquake will happen, its magnitude, or its intensity, we can get a sense of our “risk level” by asking a few basic questions.

To analyze your earthquake risk level, ask yourself the following questions. The more questions that you answer “yes” to, the greater your risk for being involved in a higher-risk earthquake.

• Do you live on or near a fault line?
• Are you in a flood zone?
• Are you at risk of liquefaction in your area?
• Is there potential for rock or mudslides?
• Is your house built to withstand a certain magnitude earthquake?
• Are there any natural objects that could make the situation worse?
• Are there volcanoes near your house?
• Are there lakes near your house?
• Are there aquifers near your house?
• Are there any man-made objects or activities that could make the situation worse?
• Are there dams near your house?
• Are there bridges near your house?
• Are there tunnels near your house?
• Are there oil wells near your house?

Living near a fault line greatly increases the chance of major damage done by an earthquake. Experts predict that if a large earthquake were to happen along any of the major US fault lines, it would take less than 2 minutes for millions of people to lose power, water, and internet.

It is hard for many of us to imagine how this might feel. But it is essential to think through the situation, prepare for the situation, and practice in case of this situation.

Preparation for earthquakes is critical because predictability is impossible.

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you best prepare for the risk specific to your area. For example, knowing that you are in a flood zone may change your family emergency earthquake plan.

Understanding what risk your surroundings bring will help you know how best to proceed in your emergency preparation.

 

LIVE EARTHQUAKE WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Where Can I find a Live Earthquake Map?

A live earthquake map shows you real-time updates on the magnitude of recent earthquakes around the world, or in your specific area. This is beneficial for being informed and involved in what is happening worldwide.

In addition to keeping an eye on earthquakes in your area, these maps are beneficial to provide you with information about earthquakes in areas where you may plan to travel or where your friends and family might live. 

There are many websites that offer a live earthquake map, but they can be a little tedious to sort through. The most reliable website to find a live earthquake map is usgs.gov website. 

If you want to go one step further in your involvement and preparedness for earthquakes, you can also sign up for text alerts and email alerts based on the specific filters you set. This feature allows you to receive alerts based on your location and/or the magnitude of different earthquakes.  

What Is The Most Dangerous Fault Line In America?

The Hayward fault line, running along the East Bay of California, is currently believed to be the most dangerous fault line in America. Although the San Andreas fault gets more of the attention because of the massive earthquakes it has caused within the last century, experts believe that the Hayward fault line is among the most active faults. They warn that it will likely be the source of the next devastating earthquake in the San Francisco-Bay Area. Even further than this, many believe that it could be the producer of the greatest earthquake that the United States has ever seen.

In addition to this, the Hayward fault line runs through highly populated cities including Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, and San Jose. Many churches, public transportation systems, schools, and homes could be devastated.

Because of this, even if the magnitude was perhaps not as great as an earthquake in another area, the intensity–measuring the damage done–could be astronomical.

Should I Buy Earthquake Insurance For My Home?

As earthquakes are not covered under a standard home insurance policy, you will need to add earthquake coverage to your policy or buy stand-alone earthquake insurance to protect your home from quake damage.

But coverage can get pretty expensive. So is it really worth it?

If you live near an active fault line, where major damage within your lifetime is likely, the answer is yes.

If you live in a low-risk area, it is probably still a smart idea, but not necessarily essential.

To check out how at-risk you are, look at the map below:

(Map courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey)

In addition to considering how risky your area is of experiencing seismic activity, you will also want to consider how earthquake-proof your home is. If it is built of stone or brick, you have a higher chance of your home sustaining major damage. Most earthquake insurances cover only direct physical loss from an earthquake. You will want to read the fine print in the insurance to make sure that everything you feel is essential to be covered will be covered by your specific insurer.

How Much Should I Pay For Earthquake Insurance?

This varies widely from area to area, especially based on risk, but we have outlined a few thoughts about the amount to pay for earthquake insurance below. 

Earthquake deductibles are typically between 5–25% of your home’s insured value, which means that there’s a good chance you will still be paying quite a bit in the case of damage. When seeking an earthquake insurance policy, you will want to try to find one with a lower deductible if possible. 

The typical cost for earthquake insurance for areas that are lower risk is $100-$300 annually. In higher risk areas, earthquake insurance is generally around $800 annually.

FULL EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Again, for a full earthquake survival guide, check out our eBook using the link below.

How many of you, when asked a question of where to hide during an earthquake, would immediately picture yourself under a door frame? How many have been told that this is the safest place to hide during an earthquake, at some point in your life? This “door frame” myth, along with many others, are now outdated pieces of information. Just like the medical field is constantly changing as new research is found and new information is discovered, emergency preparedness and best practices, especially in regards to earthquakes and other natural disasters, changes, and shifts as researchers continue to study and discover. For this reason, it is crucial to stay up to date on best practices. Although we all want to believe that we all will later have time to learn these things, the difference of knowing now, before disaster strikes, can ultimately be what protects and prepares you and your loved ones. So as much as advice from loved ones may seem helpful, gathering information from credible sources is necessary. For this reason, I have researched and compiled the most recent information on everything earthquake preparedness, into an easy-to-read ebook. Grab it now to save yourself the time and energy of hopping from site to site, trying to determine which information is still good and which information is outdated.

THE MYTH

I Should Hide Under the Doorframe During an Earthquake

The simple and very definitive answer to this, despite what you may have previously have been told is: no! You never will want to stand in a doorway during an earthquake. The myth that we should stand under door frames during earthquakes actually originated after a big Californian earthquake. From this earthquake, the media published and publicized a picture of a “collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part.” As you can imagine, people started talking, and the myths started circulating that this was, in fact, the safest place to stand in the case of an earthquake. But this was just a picture, from which came our entire belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. The only exception to this is if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house with no sturdy furniture to hide under. Then and only then, this might be your best option. In newer homes, doorways are not the best place to hide. So if we are not supposed to hide in the doorway anymore, where should we hide? Most experts say that you are safest under a sturdy table or another similar piece of furniture that will protect you from falling debris.

THE TRUTH

Drop, Find Cover, Hold On, Stay Put

The steps for seeking shelter during an earthquake are fairly simple. Commit these to memory and practice these steps with your family so that your muscle memory will kick in in the case of an actual emergency when your adrenaline is high and you may not be thinking the clearest.

1. First, drop to the ground: This will prevent the possibility of being injured if the earthquake were to unexpectedly knock you to the ground.
2. Next, find cover: Find cover under something sturdy such as a table or a desk to decrease the chances of items falling directly on you. Survey your surroundings and do not plant yourself under anything that could easily be displaced, injuring you. In this step, make sure that you do not travel far trying to find cover, as traveling can be very dangerous. If you cannot find shelter close, drop to the ground and cover your head using your hands and arms, or army crawl to a corner and protect your head.
3. Third, hold on tight: Once you find something sturdy, you should hold onto it for the duration of the earthquake. Securing the table or desk to yourself through a steady grip will keep it directly over you, protecting you from heavy falling objects.
4. This may feel counterintuitive, but your fourth step is to stay put. Do not move from the sheltered spot that you choose. Stay close or move closer to shelter after the earthquake stops. There is a high likelihood that you will experience aftershocks. Some aftershocks have been known to be as strong or stronger than the first earthquake.

Again, there is a high probability that these steps will not be intuitive without practice. Review them mentally and then walk through your house and decide in each room where you will seek shelter and what hazards you will want to avoid. Because earthquakes come and go so quickly, teach your children and help them practice so that they will be prepared even if they are not with you.

THE MYTH

I Should Run Outside During an Earthquake

Although you may have been told or it may feel natural to get OUT of a building if the ground is shaking and you fear that it may collapse, you should not run outside during an earthquake. Traveling any amount of distance during an earthquake is extremely dangerous. It will be harder to seek shelter if you are outside. If you do find yourself outside when an earthquake starts, take inventory of your surroundings and move away quickly from any buildings or potential hazards falling on you. One of these main hazards is power lines, which could fall and cause any amount of electrical or other damage. Move away from these hazards quickly, and seek shelter by covering your head with your hands.

THE TRUTH

Stay Where You Are

In general, you should avoid traveling anywhere too far when an earthquake starts, because the earthquake will likely make you fall. You are better off staying inside and undercover. The exterior walls of your home and or building are known to be the most dangerous places to be during an earthquake. Window, siding, and structures on the roof are often the first parts of the home that collapsed.

THE MYTH

Little Earthquakes Relieve Pressure in The Earth’s Crust, So the BIG ONE Doesn’t Happen

Once again, this may be something that you have heard before. But, no; this is not true. Any number of little earthquakes could never relieve enough pressure to replace a big one. The activity and predictability of what will happen miles under the earth’s surface is impossible to predict accurately. There is no sure way to prevent or predict an earthquake, we can only use the information available to us and make an educated guess.

THE TRUTH

Big Earthquakes Happen Regardless

As just mentioned, nothing can stop natural earthquakes from happening, even little earthquakes spread over time. A natural earthquake is going to happen to matter what, when the pressure and temperature of rocks under the surface is just right. Instead of counting on predictability, the best we can do at this point is to simply be prepared, practiced, and stay calm in the face of an emergency.

THE MYTH

Big earthquakes always happen in the morning AND we can predict them

As humans, we feel better if we feel that we have some control over when and how struggles happen. But with certain natural disasters, we can see patterns but still really have no idea of when or how they will occur. This is the case with this myth. Although many big earthquakes have happened in the morning, not all of them will. As much as we wish that we could have some predictability to increase our preparedness, the best we can do is be prepared no matter when the big earthquake hits.

THE TRUTH

Earthquakes happen anytime AND we cannot predict them

Actually predicting an earthquake is nearly impossible. Below the surface of the earth, an earthquake is preceded by a rupture of rocks. It is extremely difficult to understand or predict this at the earth’s surface. There is no way of knowing where the most intense part of the earthquake will occur, what the magnitude will become, or when the earthquake will begin or end. Experts have tried, and to date, we have little helpful information. A few patterns have been noted, although these are fairly sporadic and hardly indicative of a coming earthquake. At times, earthquakes are preceded by changes in the environment, such as:

• Changes in the groundwater level
• An increase in radon gas concentrations
• Changes in electromagnetic activity
• Foreshocks
• Measurable ground deformations
• Geochemical changed in groundwater
• Unusual animal behavior

Still, even with all of these patterns accounted for, an earthquake may not come, or it may come much after or much before than experts may predict. Even more than this, an earthquake of literally any magnitude may happen without a single one of the changes above happening first. The best thing that we can do at this point in history with our limited understanding and knowledge of earthquakes is to do exactly what you are doing here and now: reading about what to do in the case of an earthquake, preparing yourself, and preparing those around you.

FULL EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Again, for a full earthquake survival guide, check out our eBook using the link below.

When most of us think of how an earthquake is measured, we think of its magnitude. The magnitude is what reporters discuss, what textbooks talk about, and the general number we throw around when talking about the power of an earthquake. But really, an earthquake’s magnitude is only half of the equation. There is another missing piece of the puzzle of how to measure an earthquake. This missing piece is called an earthquake’s intensity. By accounting for both an earthquake’s magnitude and intensity, we have included all necessary parts for truly understanding the dimensions of the earthquake. Because of the prevalence of earthquakes and the power of knowledge in how to be fully prepared for one, I have written an eBook with this information (and so much more!) expanded in a comprehensive guide to understanding earthquakes. For a shorter version, read ahead!

How is Earthquake Magnitude Measured?

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured by a machine called a seismometer. A seismometer produces a seismograph. According to the Earthquake Glossary, a seismograph is defined as “an instrument used to detect and record earthquakes. Generally, it consists of a mass attached to a fixed base. During an earthquake, the base moves and the mass does not. The motion of the base with respect to the mass is commonly transformed into an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is recorded on paper, magnetic tape, or another recording medium. This record is proportional to the motion of the seismometer mass relative to the earth, but it can be mathematically converted to a record of the absolute motion of the ground.” In simple terms, a seismograph measures the amount that the earth shakes, converted into a recording medium, such as paper.  The magnitude reading is measured on something called a Richter scale. The Richter scale is normally numbered 1 through 10, but there is actually no upper limit. The world’s largest documented earthquake hit 9.5, so up to this point, there has been no need to show numbers larger than 10. 

Which Earthquake Had The Largest Magnitude Ever Recorded?   

In 1960 near Valdivia, southern Chile, the earth shook like never recorded. It has been revered as the “Great Chilean Earthquake” and had the largest recorded magnitude ever, measured by the United States Geological Survey as a 9.5 on the Richter scale. The destruction caused by an earthquake of this magnitude was nearly unimaginable. It left 2 million people homeless. Three thousand people were injured in addition to nearly two thousand deaths. The total damages to the country financially were between 3 and 6 billion dollars (adjusted to the monetary amount in 2020). Even more than this, the Valdivia earthquake was so massive that it triggered a tsunami through the Pacific. The waves from this tsunami attacked coastal villages in New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, and Hawaii, where still, more lives were lost. Below is a list of the largest earthquakes we have seen It is important to note that we have only been recording magnitude on the Richter scale since its development in 1935, so that following list consists of the world’s most recent earthquakes: 

1960: Chile. 9.5 on the Richter scale. Killed 1655 in Chile. The subsequent tsunami killed 68 in Hawaii, 138 in Japan and 32 in the Philippines.

1964: Alaska. 9.2 on the Richter scale. Killed 15. The subsequent tsunami killed 113.

2004: Indonesia. 9.1 on the Richter scale. The tsunami killed almost 230,000 around the world.

1952: Hawaii. 9.0 on the Richter scale. No deaths.

1906: Ecuador. 8.8 on the Richter scale. The tsunami killed up to 1500 in Ecuador and Colombia.

1965: Alaska. 8.7 on the Richter scale. No deaths.

2005: Indonesia. 8.6 on the Richter scale. More than 1300 killed.

1950: Tibet. 8.6 on the Richter scale. Killed about 780.

1957: Alaska. 8.6 on the Richter scale. No deaths.

2007: Indonesia. 8.6 on the Richter scale. 25 or more people killed.

How is Earthquake Intensity Measured?

And now to the second part of the equation of measuring earthquakes: their intensity. Measuring an earthquake through intensity is actually fairly simple. The intensity of an earthquake is based on the amount of damage it causes. You can’t always expect the same amount of damage using magnitude as your only measurement.  For example, there could be a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, 10 miles deep under the earth, and most people will not even feel it. Because of this, little to no damage will result. On the other hand, if that same magnitude of an earthquake occurs only one mile deep, there will obviously be increased damage on the earth’s surface. The effect of the earthquakes for communities, cities, and states is converted into a number to measure its intensity. The damage was done by the earthquake in Chile, for example was massive. Lives were lost, tsunamis created, hoards of people displaced, many injured, and countries financially buried. All damage from an earthquake, such as the measures in the example given above, is surveyed and considered when measuring intensity.

How Hard Is It To Predict An Earthquake?

Predicting an earthquake is nearly impossible. We know that earthquakes are created by the movement of the tectonic plates, and so earthquakes occur near fault lines of these tectonic plates. Miles below the surface, an earthquake is preceded by a rupture of rocks. It is extremely difficult to understand how rocks behave under the increased pressure and temperature found at varying levels under the earth’s surface. They all do, however, have a characteristic pattern of starting with tremors, increasing in magnitude in a linear matter, peaking, and then decreasing in magnitude in a linear pattern. There is no way of knowing where the peak will occur, what the magnitude will become, or when the earthquake will begin. Experts have attempted collecting samples by drilling into fault zones. This is not cost-effective, is difficult to do, and to date has not shown much progress in research trying to understand earthquakes better. In the past, scientists have tried to recognize patterns. A few have been noted, although these are fairly sporadic and hardly indicative of a coming earthquake. At times, earthquakes are preceded by changes in the environment, such as:

• Changes in the groundwater level
• An increase in radon gas concentrations
• Changes in electromagnetic activity
• Foreshocks
• Measurable ground deformations
• Geochemical changed in groundwater
• Unusual animal behavior

Once again, these are not proven links to earthquakes, but rather a few sporadic patterns that have been noted with some earthquakes over time.

Can Earthquakes Be Prevented?

Natural earthquakes cannot be prevented. However, several human activities can trigger them. If we cease to do these things, we can hopefully bring a stop to man made earthquakes. A few of these activities include

• Impoundment of reservoirs
• Surface and underground mining
• Withdrawal of fluids and gas from the surface
• Injection of fluid unto underground formations

Although we cannot prevent any natural earthquakes, we can both be careful, by refraining from activities that trigger earthquakes, and we can be prepared for when they do hit, to hopefully mitigate the damage they cause.

FULL EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Again, for a full earthquake survival guide, check out our eBook using the link below.

What Is An Earthquake?

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface. Earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere, which creates seismic waves. This seismic activity manifests itself through the shaking of the Earth’s ground. Sometimes, when the epicenter of an earthquake is offshore, the surfaces under the ocean may be displaced enough to cause a tsunami. The “seismicity” of the earthquake is experienced over a period of time and has a wide range of severity. It can be anywhere from so weak that it is not detectable to humans to severe enough to completely destroy entire communities and cities. Preparedness for earthquakes is essential, as many of us will experience at least one within our lifetimes. Not having information on what to do in the case of an earthquake, especially one of significant size, can be fatal. Because of this, we have written an ebook specifically for emergency preparedness. It is quick to read, easy to understand, and will help prepare you and your family for one of the world’s most common natural disasters.

How Should I Prepare For An Earthquake Beforehand?

First, with your loved ones, you will want to prepare for an earthquake first by creating an emergency earthquake plan. This emergency plan can consist of information such as what you will do in the case of an earthquake, where you will meet if you are separated, and how you will communicate. The plan should include how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings, what is included in a shelter plan, how you will evacuate, and your specific family or household communication plan.  Teaching kids the proper way of seeking shelter is critical and should be included in your family earthquake emergency plan. After this, practice executing your plan often with your family in case of a real-life emergency. Second, as a preventative measure, consider securing especially heavy furniture–such as refrigerators, bookshelves, televisions, objects hanging on walls, and dressers–to the walls in your house. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves. Third, create an emergency earthquake survival kit.

What Should Be In An Earthquake Survival Kit?

An earthquake kit is a collection of small items that could be useful or life-saving in the case of an earthquake. In this kit, you should include one gallon of water per person per day for three to 7 days days. This is in case of being trapped within a structure. In addition, you will want to include a three to seven day supply of nonperishable food per person, for the same reason. After covering food and water, add the following:

• Flashlight
• NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• First-Aid Kit
• Batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust Mask
• Moist Toilettes
• Garbage Bags
• Plastic Ties (for personal sanitation)
• Toilet Paper
• Wrench or Pliers (to turn off utilities if needed)
• Manual Can Opener (for food)
• Local Maps
• Cell Phone with Charger and Back-Up Battery
• Any Necessary Prescription Medications

This kit can be stored in a backpack or other easily accessible container somewhere safe in your home and should be checked and the food rotated every year.

What Should You Do During An Earthquake At Home?

If you are indoors and you feel the ground start to shake, stay where you are instead of running away or outside. Immediately drop to the ground and crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a desk or a table. Take shelter under this desk, and hold on with one hand. Although many people think that hiding under a door frame is safe, recent studies have found that it is not. It is essential to avoid door frames and seek shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture in your home. Doing so will prevent heavy objects from falling and potentially crushing you. If you are unable to find a sturdy piece of furniture in which to take shelter near you, immediately cover your head with your hands. Go to the corner of the room as quickly as possible and huddle, with your face to the corner, for as long as necessary until the shaking stops. Keep your head protected by your hands or any small objects near you that would break the fall of any large, flying objects. If you are outside in the case of an earthquake, stay outside. Try to get away from any large building or anything that could potentially fall on you. Be aware of your surroundings and try to find an open area. One thing you really need to be aware of, if you are outside, is where the powerlines are located. If there is any chance these could fall down near you, get away from that area as fast as you can. If you are in a vehicle, pull over, stop, and set the parking brake as quickly as possible. Stay in the car and wait for the earthquake to pass. No matter where you are, you want to take a quick inventory of all of your surroundings. If there is anything obvious that could cause harm if displaced, stay away from that item if possible. As a general rule, no matter where you are, you want to travel as little as possible. Stay where you are and seek shelter within your environment.

Is It Better To Be On The Top or Bottom Floor During An Earthquake?

During an earthquake, it is safer to seek shelter on the top floor. The bottom floor will be more prone to violent shaking. Being upstairs, the jolts will be less severe. In addition, if you are downstairs and the building collapses, it can take days for rescuers to find you under the collapsed rubble.  It is extremely dangerous to move from an upstairs location to a downstairs location during an earthquake and should be done only if necessary.

Where Is The Safest Place To Be During An Earthquake?

The safest place in which to seek shelter during an earthquake is under a heavy piece of furniture on the top floor in your home. That being said, if you are downstairs when you feel an earthquake begin, stay where you are and seek shelter under sturdy furniture or within a corner close to yourself. 

FULL EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Again, for a full earthquake survival guide, check out our eBook using the link below.

What Other Emergencies Are Possible In Your Area?

The best way to prepare for whatever specific emergencies you may be susceptible to is to research a little bit about your area. To do this, look up what disasters have happened in your city and surrounding areas in the past, and then look up what may happen in your area based on the experts. In addition, you will want to consider and prepare for emergencies that can happen in any area, such as an active shooter, a home fire, and household chemical emergencies and more.

How Do I Begin to Plan For More Potential Disasters?

First, research the most likely emergencies in your area. Second, rank them based on the likelihood of them happening. Third, under each emergency category, create a plan specific for the disaster. For each of these plans, consider what financial, physical, and emotional losses these could bring and plan accordingly. As you carefully sort through possibilities, you will be better prepared when the moment of stress and emergency actually comes. Even mentally running through an event once will help you react more intentionally and with less panic. Below is a list of the most possible disasters for which you should consider preparing. Instead of letting this list overwhelm you, simply pick a few that seem most likely, think through them, create a plan, and work from there.

POTENTIAL EMERGENCIES

Although we can’t walk through each of these emergencies, some of the most commonly occurring emergencies are discussed below. According to Ready.gov, you should prepare for the following:

ACTIVE SHOOTER

If you come in contact with an active shooter, you want to 1. run, 2. hide, or 3. fight. Running away is your safest bet. Before anything else, you want to get away from the shooter if possible, leaving behind any belongings. Call 911 as soon as you are safe. If running is not possible, hide. Get out of the shooter’s view, and keep quiet. Remember to silence your electronics, lock and block doors, and hide with only yourself or one other person  If these two options are not possible, you will need to fight. Create a plan with others to ambush or distract the shooter, and be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.

CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES

A chemical attack is the release of a poisonous vapor, aerosol, liquid, or solid that has a toxic effect on people, animals, or plants. An attack of this kind could come without warning. People may react to a chemical attack by experiencing difficulty breathing, eye irritation, loss of coordination, nausea, or burning in the nose, throat, and lungs. In addition, if you see a group of dead insects of birds, this also may be indicative of a chemical emergency. To prepare for an emergency of this kind, you will want to build an emergency supply kit including duct tape, scissors, and plastic to cover doors, windows, and vents. In addition, you will want to create a family emergency plan that outlines what you will do in a chemical emergency and where you will meet. After you have a sense that you may be in a chemical attack, try quickly to find where the chemical is coming from, and take immediate action to get away from that source. Get out of the building or area and avoid contaminated areas, if possible. If you are not able to do this, you will want to move as far away from the source and immediately shelter in place. In order to shelter in place, close all doors and windows. Turn off ventilation, and seal the room in which you are sheltering with duct tape and plastic sheeting. In addition, turn off ventilation that could potentially cycle contaminated air to you. Listen to the radio for when you are clear to exit the building and contact medical professionals quickly when it is free to exit.

EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes are one of the most common types of natural disasters. Your number one goal in the case of an earthquake is to protect yourself. Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Instead, if you are in bed, turn over, face down, and cover your head and neck with a pillow. If you are driving, pull to the side of the road. If you are outdoors, stay away from buildings. The three basic steps to remember for keeping safe during an earthquake is to 1. stop, 2. drop, and 3. hold on. Try to burrow under a table or desk if possible, and hold onto whatever you are hiding underneath.

HOME FIRES

Since fires spread surprisingly quickly and are incredibly deadly, acting immediately in the case of a home fire is critical. Make sure that the fire alarms in your house are functioning and up-to-date. Create a plan with your family on what to do in the case of a home fire and practice it twice per year to ensure that all of you are prepared. In the case of a fire, drop to the ground and army crawl under the smoke. Touch the door and doorknob lightly before opening it. If it is hot, use another exit, if possible. If you choose to open a door, do so slowly and carefully. If you are unable to get to someone needing assistance, or you have a pet trapped in the home, tell the fire department immediately once outside instead of going after the person or pet yourself. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll.

POWER OUTAGE

Chances are, you will experience a few power outages in your life. As a few basic tips, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed except to get the necessary food, as this will save energy and keep the food cool. Use generators outdoors and away from windows, and disconnect appliances to avoid damage from electrical surges. Try to have a few things in place before the power outage, such as a generator, battery-operated flashlights, and battery-operated medical devices.

SNOW STORMS & EXTREME COLD

Most everyone will experience a snowstorm at some point in their lives. The most important things to remember during snowstorms or extremely cold weather are to stay off the roads if possible and keep warm and dry. Having protective gear to keep warm is essential during extremely cold weather. You will want to keep dry at all costs, by wearing waterproof clothing and changing quickly when you do get wet. You will want to stay indoors if possible. If you do have to drive, drive slowly and carefully. Put your car into 4-wheel drive and put chains on your tires to lower your risk of sliding on the icy roads.

THUNDERSTORMS & LIGHTNING

When you hear thunder, go inside, as a general rule. Unplug appliances during a thunder and lightning storm, and avoid using landlines or turning on running water. If you are unable to reach a sturdy building, take shelter in a sturdy car, but avoid touching any metal. Immediately evacuate any pool or other body of water if you are swimming or boating, and find a building or a car under which to find shelter.

CONCLUSION

Being prepared for what emergencies are most likely to happen in your lifetime can be the difference between life and death. Keeping up-to-date on your emergency preparedness plans as an individual and a family is a critical component of any preparedness scenario. Aside from the previously scenarios, here is the rest of potential disasters we should prepare for. This list is given to us by Ready.gov.  

• Attacks in public places
• Avalanche
• Bioterrorism
• Cybersecurity
• Drought
• Explosions
• Extreme heat
• Floods
• Hazardous material incidents
• Household chemical emergencies
• Hurricanes
• Landslides & debris flow
• Nuclear explosion
• Pandemic
• Radiological dispersion device
• Severe weather
• Space weather
• Tornadoes
• Tsunamis
• Volcanoes
• Wildfires